Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Beyond Naschy #21 - NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND DESIRES (1984)

Jess Franco's long list of credits is a nearly never ending
fountain of delirious delights. Even for a dedicated fan there always seems to
be a new experience just around the corner waiting to be discovered. And if
those new experiences are sometimes strongly reminiscent of other Franco work,
that is just part of the fun. Finding common themes, similar characters and
shared motivations are part of the fascination of a Franco film with each
element something to be studied and contemplated like a well cut gemstone. What
is 'Irina' up to in this story? Is there a Dr. Orloff lurking behind an almost
closed door, listening to secrets and making plans? Is the lovely Lorna helpful
or harmful in this incarnation? Is that look from the mysterious stranger one
of love, lust or disgust? Only time and Uncle Jess will tell. If we're lucky!

After far too long a break Troy and I slip back into our comfortable
contemplative clothing and check out a bright, colorful descent into sex,
murder and emotional trauma called NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND DESIRES (1984). Part of
a very fertile career period but little seen outside of Spain until now,
the film sports another in a long line of brave performances from Franco muse
Lina Romey. She may spend most of the film nude but it's her character's dark
path and sad emotional turmoil that'll keep your eyes glued to the screen. This
is an exquisitely beautiful movie shot in languorous, carefully composed shots
that draw you into the twisted tale of psychic visions and hidden drives. It's
both delicate and vicious which is a difficult trick to pull off. This isn't an
easy Franco film at times but for the initiated it's a significant addition to
the cinematic portrait he painted all his life.

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